When you go through a breakup, particularly the breakup of a long-term relationship, it’s hard to know what to do with yourself. Suddenly the person you spent ever second with, went to every dumb new action movie with, and texted every time you heard your favorite song on the radio or thought of something funny, is completely out of the picture. You’ll hear the same advice from friends and family over and over: get over him, don’t think about it, have hindsight, eat a pint of Ben and Jerry’s. But what really help are the little things that can get you through the day. So here is your post-breakup plan of action:
The Playlist
Music can really have an impact on mood, so stay away from the sappy or depressing songs that bring you down. What you need are upbeat songs; songs that will remind you how awesome you are, how much better you are without him or her, and how you’re going to be okay:
Story of Us by Taylor Swift
F*** You by Cee-Lo Green
What the Hell by Avril Lavigne
Bye Bye Bye by N’Sync
Fighter by Christina Aguilera
Going On by Gnarls Barkley
King of Anything by Sarah Bareilles
Right as Rain by Adele
Gives You Hell by the All-American Rejects
I Don’t Care Anymore by Phil Collins
Makes Me Wonder by Maroon 5
Madder Red Yeasayer
Walk Away by Kelly Clarkson
New Shoes by Paolo Nutini
Return to Your Childhood
Remember when you where little, and boys had cooties, and your biggest problem was whether your brown rain boots were as cool as your best friend’s new red ones? Life was so simple. There’s nothing as comforting as reading (or even better having a devoted friend/parent/sibling read to you) your favorite book from childhood. I recommend the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary, the Harry Potter books, or The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!
First of all, the endorphins will make you feel a hundred times better. Working out is also a great way to focus on yourself, whether that means working towards a goal like getting in better shape, or just losing yourself in something mindless and satisfying.
The List
You’ve heard this tip before, and that’s because it works! Write a list of all the reasons why the breakup was the right decision, and how annoying your ex was. Don’t forget to include all the tiny little things that drove you crazy, like how gross it was when he slurped soup, or how screechy and irritating his laugh is. When you have a weak moment and start to want him back, bring out the list.
Remember: You Are Resilient
You might think that you will never get over this guy, but it’s a fact that human beings are more resilient than they think they are. There are other important things and people in your life that make you happy besides your ex. It may be tough now, but every day it will get a little easier. Before you know it you’ll be living up “Ridin’ Solo”.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Amherst chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.